A Test of Kinship

Dad tossed the envelope in front of me with a loud slap as though he were dismissing a beggar.

"Whether you're really sick or just faking it, take the money and get out. If you cause your mom to collapse, don't blame me for turning my back on you!"

The envelope was beautifully wrapped. It was obviously prepared with care.

When I picked it up, I noticed the elegant handwriting on it.

"My dear daughter, wishing you success in your performance. Have a great time."

I chuckled bitterly. Lifting my gaze, I asked, "You're giving me this money to save my life? Won't it ruin your dear daughter's overseas trip?"

Dad looked at me with disgust. His voice was cold as ice as he said, "Don't try to be sarcastic. You don't know your place, insisting on fairness. If that's how it is, I'm more than willing to have a fallout with you.

"I never wanted to have you, but I still had your mom's sister raise you. You've never lacked food or clothing. You should be grateful and not come here looking for trouble."

He turned his face away, as if he'd made up his mind.

"I've always listened to your mom and put up with you. But it's you who started this today. Don't blame me for cutting ties with you."

He had finally thrown me out of the family.

The room fell silent again.

They all made way for me to leave. Everyone quietly watched. They were waiting for me, this disgrace, to quickly take my leave with the pity money.

At that moment, everything became clear.

No matter how low I sank, I would never truly belong to this family. And honestly, I didn't want to.

So when I looked up again, the careful, cautious woman I once was was gone.

I weighed the envelope in my hands and slowly stood up.

In my high heels, I was now as tall as Dad.

I was no longer the little girl who once eagerly looked forward to seeing him every month.

I looked him in the eye and calmly asked, "If you never wanted me, why was I born? Was it because you couldn't control your dick, or am I someone else's child?"

Dad's pupils contracted. He was too shocked to say a word. His lips trembled for a moment. Only after realizing what was happening did he raise his hand to slap me.

I sidestepped, causing him to stagger.

Then I pointed toward Mom with my chin.

"And you, stop pretending to cry here. It's too late to play the blame game now. Why didn't you show some resolve when you didn't want me? Was I conceived because Dad forced you? Couldn't you fight back with your 140-pound body?"

Mom finally stopped sobbing.

Her usual guilty expression faltered. Her hands shook as she pointed at me.

"You wretched thing! How can you be so different from Sarah and Samuel?"

Sarah, seeing her beloved mom insulted, dove into Mom's arms and cried hysterically.

Samuel seemed to want to hit me. He lunged forward to grab my wrist.

Their partners joined in, trying to separate us.

The room was in chaos.

I was yanked around, and Dad landed a solid slap across my face.

My head turned from the impact, and warm blood began to flow from my nose.

"Get out!" Dad yelled. "From now on, we're cutting all ties. I don't have a daughter like you!"

My hand instinctively reached to my abdomen, relieved to find it safe.

At that moment, I fully realized that I had formed an irreplaceable bond with the life growing inside me.

Since this was what I wanted, I couldn't let it go.

I lifted my face and locked my eyes on Dad. "Fine. You said it yourself. I'm no longer your daughter, no longer part of the Robinson family."

Dad gave me a look of pure disgust and stiffened his face. "That's right. I said it. I, Eric Robinson, would never go back on my words!"

I wiped my face with force. "Fine! From now on, we live our own lives. Whoever asks for help first is the loser!"

Dad clenched his jaw, remaining silent.

Sarah chimed in while crying, "Yeah! Whoever asks for help first is a coward, and may they be struck down by lightning! Why aren't you leaving yet? Do you want to drive Mom to her grave?"

Smiling with satisfaction, I pulled the lab report from my pocket and tossed it on top of the envelope.

"Great. Remember your words today, Sarah."